A Week in the Bush Vol. 549
on May 21, 2025Just as we set out on our morning drive, our eyes were immediately drawn to the silhouettes of giraffe necks rising above the horizon, strikingly outlined against the golden sky. It was an incredible start to our day.
The hyena cubs grow bolder each day, venturing further from the den to explore their surroundings, but still under the watchful eye of their mother. Bursting with energy, they often tumble and chase one another around the den site, their playful antics causing quite a commotion.
Our sundowner stop didn’t disappoint - it turned into a moonrise moment as well. We sat in quiet awe, drink in hand, watching the full moon lift above the horizon, a perfect ending to another incredible day on safari.
Although the summer migrants have departed, an incredible array of beautiful bird species remain behind. From elegant raptors like the Black-winged Kite to the colourful Crested Barbet, the bush is bustling with birdlife anytime of the year.
Giraffes are renowned for their exceptionally long, resilient tongues. Covered in thick, tough skin, their tongues are well-adapted to browsing thorny trees like acacias without injury. In addition, the dark pigmentation - typically a deep bluish-purple - is believed to offer protection from the sun, preventing sunburn during extended periods of feeding.
Looking after a group of highly energetic cubs can be exhausting, even for the most resilient hyenas. Needing a moment of peace, the adults took a well-deserved break at a nearby pan, pausing for a drink and a moment of calm. It was a brief but much-needed respite from the chaos of cub duty, shared in quiet companionship.
This waterbuck calf was especially curious about our presence, standing apart while the rest of the herd focused intently in the opposite direction, keeping a wary eye on a nearby warthog to assess any potential threat. Waterbuck are typically found in groups of females led by a single territorial bull that remains vigilant to protect and maintain control over his herd.
The Black-winged kite is renowned as a skilled rodent hunter, but its diet also includes reptiles, insects, bats, and even other birds. This predatory versatility may explain why we observed one being relentlessly mobbed by smaller birds—likely a defensive response to its threat.
Black-winged kites have developed a range of hunting techniques to suit their diverse prey. They may perch quietly, scanning the ground before suddenly swooping down to snatch unsuspecting prey. At times, they hunt mid-flight or hover motionless in the air, wings beating rapidly while their body remains suspended, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Another method, known as quartering, involves flying slowly and low over open ground while actively searching for movement below.
A large crocodile at the dam in front of Earth lodge gave us an excellent sighting as he was basking in the afternoon sun. With crocodiles being cold blooded, they rely on heat from the sun to warm their body temperatures to aid in their metabolism and allow them to hunt.
During our afternoon safari, we ventured into the area where cheetahs had been spotted earlier that morning. It wasn't long before we found them again—gracefully perched in the branches of a fallen Marula tree, scanning the savannah with keen eyes. One by one, they eventually climbed down, seeking refuge in the shade beneath to rest from the heat of the day.
We returned to the area where we had last seen Ntsumi, who had stashed a fresh kill in a dense bush. At first, only a few spots were visible through the tall grass where she was resting. But we were in luck — she got up to drink and then returned to drag the kill into the open, where she began to feed.
Leopards often hoist their kills into trees to keep them safe from other predators like hyenas and lions. However, this female has a habit of lingering too long on the ground, and as a result, she frequently ends up losing her meals to opportunistic hyenas.
We followed up on reports of Ntsumi with a kill. Upon arrival we found her lying in a thicket, almost hidden in the long grass, savouring the last pieces of what was a young male impala.
Watching leopards feed is captivating, their sharp teeth and strong jaws make quick work of their meals. However, they're not always quick enough- a hyena snuck in and snatched the bones hidden in the grass as the leopard launched herself onto the only vantage point she had, a fallen tree. The two reluctantly shared a meal only a few meters from one another, Ntsumi making it clear that her uninvited dinner guest was not welcome to get any closer.
While on the lookout for leopards, we were driving through the reserve when, as we rounded a sharp bend, Ranger Ruan’s eyes caught the unmistakable sight of leopard paws dangling from a tree branch. As we drew closer, we found Golonyi resting in the tree, her gaze fixed intently on a nearby warthog.
Once the scene settled, we spotted her cub hidden in the tall grass, feeding on the remains of a kill that Golonyi had secured earlier. With her own meal finished, Golonyi had taken to the tree for a better vantage point, keeping a watchful eye out for any approaching danger - ensuring the safety of her cub still feeding below.
A few days later, we spotted Golonyi and her cub across the open plain. After following them for a few minutes we saw her behaviour change; she headed straight for a thicket moving with purpose making it very difficult to photograph. The mother and cub weaved in and out amongst the foliage as we trailed them through the dense bush, finally Golonyi stopped- staring intently through the leaves into another open clearing.
Lions!
She crept low to the ground as her cub ran for safety. The Gijima males walked boldly across the clearing and settled amongst the Msuthlu Pride. They enjoyed the morning sun; the warmth was a welcomed change from the chill of the morning air. At ease among each other, they were oblivious to the tension their presence stirred in the small leopard. The lions spent the rest of the morning lounging near a watering hole, rolling in the short grass.
We found the Msuthlu Pride moving deeper into our reserve. With the cool morning temperatures, these predators remained active longer into the day, giving us an exciting opportunity to follow them as they searched for potential hunting opportunities. Eventually, we left them as they settled into a sheltered spot, well protected from the wind, to rest for the remainder of the day.
The Msuthlu Pride were at it again. Just days after taking down a massive male buffalo, we found them with yet another fresh buffalo kill. The adults were busy feeding, beginning with the stomach contents before moving on to the flesh, while the cubs were eagerly trying to open their own section of the carcass to feed.
These cubs are experiencing the best of their formative years — a constant supply of food is not only keeping them well-fed, but also playing a vital role in their development. Regular access to kills accelerates their growth and helps sharpen essential skills. Often, they can be seen playfully interacting with the carcass, mimicking hunting behaviour by pretending to suffocate the already dead animal. This kind of play is more than just fun — it’s instinctual training that prepares them for the challenges of real hunts in the future.
The Msuthlu Pride has moved on from their buffalo kill after finishing the last of it and has since been spending time around a nearby waterhole. Drawn by the vulture activity in the area, the Gijima males have joined the pride. They’ll remain with them for the day before continuing their patrol to safeguard their territory.
Not long after leaving Earth Lodge, we came across the Southern Pride sleeping in the middle of the road, completely unfazed by our presence. Their full bellies told the story of a recent meal, and it was clear they were on the move again - true to the reputation of the Southern Pride, known for covering vast distances. Eventually, they rose and disappeared into the bush in search of a more secluded, comfortable spot where they could rest and digest before continuing their journey.
Until next time…
Blog by Wendy Claase
Images by Benjamin Loon, Jan Nel, Ronald Mutero, Ruan Mey and Viviane Ladner
Video by Viviane Ladner
